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Moretti E, Signorini C, Corsaro R, Giamalidi M, Collodel G. Human Sperm as an In Vitro Model to Assess the Efficacy of Antioxidant Supplements during Sperm Handling: A Narrative Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12051098. [PMID: 37237965 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa are highly differentiated cells that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to aerobic metabolism. Below a certain threshold, ROS are important in signal transduction pathways and cellular physiological processes, whereas ROS overproduction damages spermatozoa. Sperm manipulation and preparation protocols during assisted reproductive procedures-for example, cryopreservation-can result in excessive ROS production, exposing these cells to oxidative damage. Thus, antioxidants are a relevant topic in sperm quality. This narrative review focuses on human spermatozoa as an in vitro model to study which antioxidants can be used to supplement media. The review comprises a brief presentation of the human sperm structure, a general overview of the main items of reduction-oxidation homeostasis and the ambivalent relationship between spermatozoa and ROS. The main body of the paper deals with studies in which human sperm have been used as an in vitro model to test antioxidant compounds, including natural extracts. The presence and the synergic effects of different antioxidant molecules could potentially lead to more effective products in vitro and, in the future, in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Moretti
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Cinzia Signorini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Roberta Corsaro
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Giamalidi
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece
| | - Giulia Collodel
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Escada-Rebelo S, Cristo MI, Ramalho-Santos J, Amaral S. Mitochondria-Targeted Compounds to Assess and Improve Human Sperm Function. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:451-480. [PMID: 34847742 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Currently 10%-15% of couples in reproductive age face infertility issues. More importantly, male factor contributes to 50% of these cases (either alone or in combination with female causes). Among various reasons, impaired sperm function is the main cause for male infertility. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, particularly of mitochondrial origin, are believed to be the main contributors. Recent Advances: Mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly due to increased ROS production, has often been linked to impaired sperm function/quality. For decades, different methods and approaches have been developed to assess mitochondrial features that might correlate with sperm functionality. This connection is now completely accepted, with mitochondrial functionality assessment used more commonly as a readout of sperm functionality. More recently, mitochondria-targeted compounds are on the frontline for both assessment and therapeutic approaches. Critical Issues: In this review, we summarize the current methods for assessing key mitochondrial parameters known to reflect sperm quality as well as therapeutic strategies using mitochondria-targeted antioxidants aiming to improve sperm function in various situations, particularly after sperm cryopreservation. Future Directions: Although more systematic research is needed, mitochondria-targeted compounds definitely represent a promising tool to assess as well as to protect and improve sperm function. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 451-480.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Escada-Rebelo
- PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Casa Costa Alemão, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Inês Cristo
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Ramalho-Santos
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Amaral
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Casa Costa Alemão, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Takalani NB, Adefolaju GA, Henkel R, Opuwari CS. In vitro effects of aqueous extract of fermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on human sperm function. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14114. [PMID: 33991107 DOI: 10.1111/and.14114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) is a herbal medicinal plant originally from South Africa's fynbos and well known for its medicinal effects in treating different medical conditions. Rooibos contains significant levels of antioxidants capable of inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species, which may improve seminal parameters. This study focussed on investigating the direct effect of fermented rooibos on human sperm functions in vitro. Semen samples collected by masturbation from unproven fertile donors (n = 25) and infertile patients (n = 25) after 3-5 days' abstinence were liquefied and centrifuged (300 × g; 10 min) in human tubular fluid medium containing 1% bovine serum albumin. Afterwards, semen samples (7.5 × 106 /ml) were incubated at 37°C for one hour with aqueous extract of fermented extract in sperm preparation medium (0, 0.10, 1.0, 10 and 100 μg/ml) and assessed. Our data showed that fermented rooibos did not affect functional sperm parameters (motility, vitality, intracellular reactive oxygen species and acrosome reaction, p > .05), in vitro except in the reduced percentage of intact mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA fragmentation (p < .05). The decrease in DNA fragmentation generates the possibility of using the extract in patients prior to assisted reproductive techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,American Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Ayad A, Derbak H, Moussaoui M, Benberkane A. In-vitro effect of Peganum harmala total alkaloids on spermatozoa quality and oxidative stress of epididymal ram semen. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.326721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Moichela FT, Adefolaju GA, Henkel RR, Opuwari CS. Aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera reduced intracellular ROS production, DNA fragmentation and acrosome reaction in Human spermatozoa in vitro. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13903. [PMID: 33225471 DOI: 10.1111/and.13903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) on human sperm functions and integrity was studied in vitro. Semen was obtained by masturbation after 3-5 days' abstinence from 34 healthy donors in Western Cape, South Africa. Liquefied semen was washed in human tubular fluid supplemented with 1% bovine serum albumin (HTF-BSA;1:5) with 10 min centrifugation at 300 g. Sperm suspensions were subsequently incubated with MO extract (0.625, 6.25, 62.5 and 625 µg/ml) for 1 hr, where HTF-BSA served as control. Sperm motility, vitality, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential, capacitation and acrosome reaction were assessed. Sperm motility, vitality, mitochondrial membrane potential and capacitation remained unchanged (p > .05). A dose-dependent decrease in sperm reactive oxygen species production (p < .0001), DNA fragmentation (p < .0001) and acrosome reaction (p < .001) was observed. An increase in the percentage of non-capacitated sperm (p < .01) was noted at 625 µg/ml. The antioxidant properties of MO actively maintained basic sperm functions, inhibited excess sperm free superoxide production and preserved acrosome reaction and DNA integrity. Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of aqueous MO leaf extract on fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith T Moichela
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Gbenga A Adefolaju
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Ralf R Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,American Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chinyerum S Opuwari
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
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Widyastuti R, Prastowo S, Sumarsono SH, Lubis A, Hartady T, Syamsunarno MRAA, Sudiman J. Deleterious effect of short-term gavage of an ethanol extract of cogon grass ( Imperata cylindrica L.) roots on testis and epididymal sperm quality. Vet World 2020; 13:1311-1318. [PMID: 32848305 PMCID: PMC7429374 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1311-1318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) (CGG) is a herbal medicine that could be developed into a male antifertility agent. The present study aims to determine the effect of an ethanol extract of CGG roots on mice testicular activity, reproductive hormone levels, and epididymal sperm quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was designed as completely randomized with three different doses, such as an ethanol extract of CGG roots at 0 (control), 90, and 115 mg/kg body weight. In total, 21 male DDY mice strain were treated with the CGG extract (by gavage) for 14 days, followed by an evaluation of reproductive organs, epididymal sperm quality, testis histology, histomorphometry, and reproductive hormone assays. All quantitative data were analyzed by analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's post hoc test at α=0.05. RESULTS The results showed that the administration of the CGG root ethanol extract disrupted the testis interstitial area and seminiferous tubules, resulting in decreased epididymal sperm quality as well as serum testosterone levels in a dose-dependent pattern. CONCLUSION Oral administration of a CGG root ethanol extract induced testicular damage, decreased epididymal sperm quality, and impaired testosterone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rini Widyastuti
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya Bandung - Sumedang km. 21, West Java, Indonesia
- Central Laboratory, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya Bandung - Sumedang km. 21, Jatinangor Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Sigit Prastowo
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia
- Centre for Biotechnology and Biodiversity Research and Development, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sony H. Sumarsono
- Physiology, Developmental Biology and Biomedical Science Research Group, School of Life Science and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Alkaustariyah Lubis
- Under Graduate Medical Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjajaran, Jl. Raya Bandung - Sumedang km. 21, Jatinangor Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Tyagita Hartady
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya Bandung - Sumedang km. 21, Jatinangor Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Mas R. A. A. Syamsunarno
- Central Laboratory, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya Bandung - Sumedang km. 21, Jatinangor Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya Bandung - Sumedang km. 21, Jatinangor Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Jaqueline Sudiman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Jl. PB. Sudirman, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
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van Vuuren S, Frank L. Review: Southern African medicinal plants used as blood purifiers. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 249:112434. [PMID: 31812645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMALOGICAL RELEVANCE Blood purification practices, also referred to as blood cleansing or detoxification, is an ancient concept which is widespread amongst African traditional medicine, but for which no modern scientific basis exists. There prevails considerable ambiguity in defining what a blood purifier is. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this review is to firstly define what a blood purifier is in the context of African traditional medicine and compare to other cultural and westernized interpretations. Thereafter, this study identifies traditionally used medicinal plants used as blood purifiers in southern Africa and correlates these species to scientific studies, which may support evidence for these "blood purifying plant species". MATERIALS AND METHODS Ethnobotanical books and review articles were used to identify medicinal plants used for blood purification. Databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed and Google Scholar were used to source scientific articles. An evaluation was made to try correlate traditional use to scientific value of the plant species. RESULTS One hundred and fifty nine plant species have been documented as traditional remedies for blood purification. Most of the plant species have some pharmacological activity, however, very little link to the traditional use for blood purification. There has been some justification of the link between blood purification and the use as an antimicrobial and this has been explored in many of the plant species identified as blood purifiers. Other pharmacological studies specifically pertaining to the blood require further attention. CONCLUSION Irrespective of the ambiguity of interpretation, medicinal plants used to "cleanse the blood", play an important holistic role in traditional medicine and this review with recommendations for further study provides some value of exploring this theme in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- S van Vuuren
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa.
| | - L Frank
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
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